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Head and Neck Cancers - General
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Presence of Rash Associated with Improved Survival in Patients Receiving Adjuvant Erbitux® for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (11/16/2009)
A multicenter randomized trial has shown that patients with locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer receiving adjuvant Erbitux® (cetuximab) and radiotherapy who develop a rash have a better survival than patients receiving this therapy who don’t develop a rash. The details of this five-year follow-up of a Phase III randomized study were published early online in the Lancet Oncology on November 7, 2009.
H-R3 (Nimotuzumab) Enhances Radiation and Chemotherapy Responses in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (11/11/2009)
Researchers from India have reported that the addition of nimotuzumab to radiation therapy or radiation therapy plus chemotherapy increases long-term loco-regional control and survival in patients with advanced head and neck cancer. The details of this Phase IIB study were presented at the 2009 meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology (ASTRO).
Adjuvant Erbitux® May Improve Survival of High-risk Resected Head and Neck Cancer (11/11/2009)
Researchers affiliated with RTOG 0234 have reported that the addition of Erbitux® (cetuximab) may improve outcomes of patients with high-risk resected head and neck cancer receiving chemoradiotherapy. The details of this study were presented at the 2009 meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology in the first week of November.
Erbitux® Improves Survival of Patients with Unresectable Head and Neck Cancer Receiving Radiation Therapy and Platinol® (11/10/2009)
Researchers affiliated with ECOG 3303 have reported that the addition of Erbitux® (cetuximab) to concurrent Platinol® (cisplatin) and radiotherapy improves progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with unresectable head and neck cancer who had not been previously treated. The details of this Phase II study were presented at the 2009 meeting of the Association for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology in the first week of November.
Smoking Cessation Leads to Reduction in Risk of Head and Neck Cancer (11/3/2009)
Researchers involved in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium have reported that smoking cessation for one to four years resulted in a 30% reduction in the risk of head and neck cancer. A benefit of cessation of alcohol drinking, however, was not observed until after 20 years or more. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the International Journal of Epidemiology on October 5, 2009.
Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy Improves Outcomes of Patients with Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (11/2/2009)
Researchers affiliated with the UK Head and Neck (UKHAN1) trial have reported that concurrent chemoradiotherapy reduces recurrences and death in patients with advanced head and neck cancer. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Lancet Oncology on October 28, 2009.
Early Postoperative Taxol® May Improve Outcomes in High-risk Head and Neck Cancer (9/11/2009)
Researchers involved in the RTOG 0024 study have reported that the administration of early adjuvant Taxol® (paclitaxel) followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy may improve local control and improve disease-free survival in patients with high-risk head and neck carcinoma. The details of this study appeared in the Journal of Clinical Oncology early online on August 31, 2009.
Differences in HPV Rates May Contribute to Racial Differences in Head and Neck Cancer Survival (8/5/2009)
Researchers from the University of Maryland and Harvard University have reported that the better survival among White patients compared with African-American patients with oropharyngeal cancer appears to be due, at least in part, to the higher prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers in White patients. These results were published early online in Cancer Prevention Research on July 29, 2009.
Topical EGF May Decrease Severe Mucositis in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Receiving Radiotherapy (7/7/2009)
Researchers from Korea have reported that recombinant epidermal growth factor (EGF) delivered as a spray twice daily may decrease the severity of severe mucositis in patients undergoing radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy for head and neck cancer. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication on June 9, 2009 in Cancer.
Durable Remissions with Chemotherapy Alone for Inoperable Laryngeal Cancer (5/29/2009)
Researchers from Emory University have reported that 33% of selected patients with inoperable Stage II-IV laryngeal cancer achieved long-term complete remissions with chemotherapy alone. The details of this study appeared in the April 20, 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
HPV-related Oropharyngeal Cancer Has Favorable Prognosis (5/22/2009)
Researchers involved in a U.S. multicenter trial have reported that oropharyngeal cancer that results from human papillomavirus (HPV) infection appears to have a better prognosis than oropharyngeal cancer that is linked with other causes such as smoking. The details of the study will be presented at the 2009 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) May 29-June 2 in Orlando, Florida.
International Trial Confirms Effectiveness of Taxotere® in Patients with Larynx and Hypopharynx Cancers (4/17/2009)
Researchers involved in an international randomized trial (TAX 324) have reported that the addition of Taxotere® (docetaxel) to Platinol® (cisplatin) and fluorouracil (5-FU) improved survival and progression-free survival of patients with larynx and hypopharynx cancers receiving chemoradiotherapy. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Annals of Oncology on January 29, 2009.
Three-drug Combination Increases Rates of Larynx Preservation (4/1/2009)
Researchers in France have reported that induction chemotherapy with Taxotere® (docetaxel), Platinol® (cisplatin), and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resulted in higher rates of larynx preservation than induction chemotherapy with only Platinol and 5-FU in patients with locally advanced cancer of the larynx or hypopharynx, These results were published on March 24 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Moderate Alcohol Consumption Increases Risk of Cancer in Women (3/13/2009)
Researchers from the UK have reported that women who regularly consume low to moderate amounts of alcohol have an increased risk of cancers of the upper digestive tract, rectum, liver, and breast when compared with women who do not drink. The results of this study were published in the March 4, 2009 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Intratumoral EGFR Antisense Injection Effective in Head and Neck Cancer (3/11/2009)
Researchers involved in a multicenter trial have reported that intratumoral injection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antisense DNA was safe and produced regressions in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The details of this study were published in the March 10, 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Tarceva® and Avastin® Safe and Effective for Patients with Squamous-cell Head and Neck Carcinoma (3/5/2009)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute and the University of Chicago have reported that the combination of Tarceva® (erlotinib) and Avastin® (bevacizumab) is well tolerated and produces sustained responses in some patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous-cell head and neck carcinoma. The details of this study appeared in the March 2009 issue of Lancet Oncology.
Sequential and Alternating Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Similarly Effective for Larynx Cancer (2/9/2009)
Researchers affiliated with the EORTC Radiation Oncology Group have reported that patients with operable, advanced squamous cell cancer of the larynx or hypopharynx benefit equally from two different approaches to the delivery of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The details of this randomized study were published early online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on January 17, 2009.
Early-stage Head and Neck Cancer in Patients 80 Years of Age or Older Highly Treatable (11/19/2008)
Researchers from France have reported that patients 80 years of age or older with Stage I-II head and neck cancer have good outcomes following surgery or radiation therapy. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Cancer on October 17, 2008.
Long-term Incense Use Increases Risk of Cancer Upper Respiratory Tract Cancer (10/7/2008)
Researchers from Singapore have reported that long-term incense use increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the respiratory tract. The details of this study appeared in the October 1, 2008 issue of Cancer.
Proteins in Saliva May Detect Oral Cancer (10/4/2008)
Researchers from the University of California at Los Angeles have reported that proteins detected from saliva may be effective in identifying the presence of oral cancer. These results were recently published in Clinical Cancer Research.
Chemoradiotherapy Effective for T 4 Laryngeal Cancer (9/12/2008)
Researchers from the University of Chicago have reported that chemoradiotherapy results in “promising control and functional outcomes” for patients with T4 laryngeal cancer. The details of this study were published in the September, 2008 issue of the Annals of Oncology.
Erbitux® Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (9/11/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the EXTREME trial (Erbitux in First-Line Treatment of Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer) have reported that the addition of Erbitux® (cetuximab) to platinum-fluorouracil based chemotherapy improves survival in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer compared with chemotherapy only. The preliminary results of this randomized trial were presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and have now been published in the September 11, 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Advexin® Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (7/31/2008)
The targeted agent Advexin® (p53 tumor suppressor therapy) improves survival compared with methotrexate among head and neck cancer patients with the p53 biomarkers. These results were recently presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Centennial Conference on Translational Cancer Medicine 2008: Cancer Clinical Trials and Personalized Medicine.
IMRT and Chemotherapy Effective for Stage III-IV Oropharyngeal Carcinoma (7/25/2008)
Researchers from the University of California at San Francisco have reported a 90% loco-regional progression-free survival in patients with Stage III-IV oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity modulated radiation (IMRT) and chemotherapy without surgery. The details of this Phase II study appeared in the August 1, 2008 issue of Cancer.
Acupuncture Reduces Pain after Neck Dissection (6/6/2008)
According to the results of a study presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, acupuncture is more effective than usual care in reducing pain and dysfunction following neck dissection for head and neck cancer.
Several Non-AIDS-Defining Cancers Increased in HIV-Positive Persons (5/23/2008)
Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control have reported that several types of cancer are increased in HIV-positive persons compared with the general population. The details of this study were published in the May 20, 2008 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Pulsed Angiolytic Laser Therapy Effective for Laryngeal Cancer (5/9/2008)
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital have reported promising results of treatment of early-stage laryngeal cancer with a new laser called the pulsed angiolytic KTP. The details of this Phase II study were presented at the 2008 meeting of the Broncho-Esophagological Association meeting in Orlando, Florida, on May 1. Details of this study are available on the Massachusetts General Web site, and a definitive report will be published in the July 2008 issue of the Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology.
Pre-existing Antibodies Explain Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions to Erbitux® (5/6/2008)
Researchers from Vanderbilt University have reported that hypersensitivity reactions to Erbitux® (cetuximab) are related to the presence of IgE antibodies present before therapy. The details of this study appeared in the March 13, 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Addition of Radiation Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (2/8/2008)
Researchers from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine have reported that the addition of radiation therapy (RT) following surgery improves survival in locally advanced squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (HNSCC). The details of this study appeared in the February 1, 2008 issue of Cancer.
Survival of Patients with Advanced Laryngeal Cancer Varies (1/23/2008)
Researchers from Emory University have reported that survival of patients with Stage III or Stage IV laryngeal cancer varies by type of treatment, gender, race, and type of health insurance. The details of this study appeared in the December, 2007 issue of the Archives of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery.
Epoetin Alfa Has No Effect on Survival or Relapse in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer (11/6/2007)
Researchers affiliated with RTOG 99-03 study have reported that the administration of radiotherapy with or without recombinant erythropoietin alfa did not affect survival or relapse of anemic patients with head and neck cancer. The details of this study were published in the November 15, 2007 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics.
Taxotere® Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (10/30/2007)
Two recent randomized trials, one from the US and one from Europe, have determined that the addition of Taxotere® (docetaxel) to Platinol® (cisplatin) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) improves survival over cisplatin/5-FU alone in the treatment of patients with advanced head and neck cancer. The details of these two studies were published in the October 25, 2007 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
HPV Vaccination Recommended for Boys and Girls for Prevention of Head and Neck Cancers (10/15/2007)
Researchers from MD Anderson have recommended vaccination of boys and girls against human papilloma virus (HPV) for prevention of squamous cell cancers of the head and neck (SCCHN) as well as for prevention of cervical cancer. The details of this study were reported in the October 1, 2007 issue of Cancer.
Maintaining High Hemoglobin Levels to Enhance Radio Sensitivity in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Does Not Improve and May Reduce Tumor Control (10/8/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the Danish Head and Neck Cancer Group DAHANCA 10 study have reported that patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiation therapy and prophylactic Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) to maintain high hemoglobin levels had a lower disease-free survival than patients receiving placebo. The details of this study were presented at the 14th European Cancer Conference (ECCO) in September, 2007.
Taxotere® is granted approval for Head and Neck Cancer (10/1/2007)
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Sanofi-Aventis’ chemotherapy agent Taxotere (docetaxel), in combination with Platinol® (cisplatin) and 5-fluorouracil as induction therapy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) prior to surgery.
FDA Approves Erbitux® Manufacturing Facility (8/28/2007)
The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved ImClone System’ new facility to expand manufacturing of Erbitux (cetuximab). The second manufacturing facility of ImClone Systems for Erbitux is referred to as BB50 and will enhance abilities of the company to manufacture enough Erbitux to meet the increasing worldwide demand for the drug.
Intraperitoneal Catumaxomab Palliates Ascites from Ovarian Cancer (8/16/2007)
Researchers from Germany have reported significant activity for the intraperitoneal infusion of the monoclonal antibody, catumaxomab (Removab®), in women with malignant ascites due to refractory ovarian cancer. The details of this Phase I/II study appeared in the July, 2007 issue of Clinical Cancer Research.
Celebrex® May Improve Cachexia in Patients with Cancer of the Head, Neck and Gastrointestinal Tract (8/14/2007)
Researchers from the University of North Carolina have reported that treatment of patients with cancer cachexia with Celebrex (celecoxib) resulted in weight gain, increased body mass index (BMI) and improved quality of life (QOL) measurements. The details of this study were published early on-line on July 5, 2007 in Head and Neck.
Erbitux® Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (6/6/2007)
According to results presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the addition of Erbitux (cetuximab) to platinum-based chemotherapy improves survival in patients with advanced head and neck cancer compared to chemotherapy only.
Periodontitis Linked to Increased Risk of Developing Cancer of the Tongue (5/25/2007)
Researchers from Roswell Park Cancer Center have reported that chronic periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer of the tongue among men. The details of this study were published in the May 2007 issue of the Archives of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery.
Smoking, Alcohol Use, Independently Increase Risk of Head and Neck Cancer (5/22/2007)
An international study has concluded that smoking and alcohol each independently increase risk of developing head and neck cancer. This study appeared in the May 16, 2007 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Confirmation of Association of Oral HPV Infection and Head and Neck Cancers (5/11/2007)
Researchers affiliated with an international study have reported that oral infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) is associated with the development of head and neck cancers. The details of this study appeared in the May 10, 2007 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine.
Fruits and Vegetables Linked with Reduced Risk of Head and Neck Cancer (5/10/2007)
According to the results of a study presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), increasing daily intake of fruits and vegetables may reduce risk of developing head and neck cancer.
Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy Improves QOL Measurements in Head and Neck Cancer (4/26/2007)
Researchers from France have reported that intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) was associated with improved quality-of-life (QOL) measurements compared to conventional radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer. The details of this study appeared as an early online publication in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology* Biology* Physics on April 1, 2007.
Women with HPV Grade 3 CIN have Increased Incidence of Anogenital Cancers (4/2/2007)
Researchers in Sweden have reported that women with grade 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasm (CIN) related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are also at increased risk for the development of cancer of the vagina, vulva and anus. The details of this study appeared in the April, 2007 issue of Lancet Oncology.
Epoetin Alfa May Decrease Survival in Anemic Patients with NSCLC (3/26/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the Ontario Oncology Group have reported that anemic patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) randomly allocated to receive epoetin alfa (Eprex®, Procrit®) for disease-related anemia had a shorter median survival than patients receiving a placebo. The details of this study appeared in the March 20, 2007 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Ethyol® Can Be Administered Subcutaneously to Prevent Radiation Induced Xerostomia (2/2/2007)
A phase II multicenter trial has demonstrated that Ethyol (amifostine) can be administered subcutaneously for the prevention of radiation induced xerostomia in patients receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. The details of this study appeared in the February 2007 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics.
Aspirin May Reduce Risk of Head and Neck Cancer (12/5/2006)
Researchers from the Roswell Park Cancer Center have reported that long-term use of aspirin may reduce the risk of developing head and neck cancer.
Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Decreases Incidence of Xerostomia (11/9/2006)
Two publications in the November 2006 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics suggest that the use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMTR) can reduce xerostomia associated with treatment of cancers of the oropharynx.
Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Have Higher Suicide Rates (10/19/2006)
Researchers from the University of Washington have reported that patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer have four times the rate of suicide than does the general public.
Men With Head and Neck Cancer Living Alone Have Poorer Outcomes Compared to Men with Partners (9/6/2006)
Researchers affiliated with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) have reported that men entered on RTOG head and neck clinical trials have a worse outcome than similar men who live with a partner.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Associated with Laryngeal Cancer (9/1/2006)
Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic have reported that GERG is significantly associated with the development of laryngeal cancer.
Induction Chemotherapy and Concomitant Taxotere® and Radiation Therapy Effective for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (8/14/2006)
Researchers from Harvard University have reported that a regimen of induction chemotherapy followed by concomitant Taxotere (docetaxel) results in disease eradication in 70% of patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.
L-Glutamine Effective in Prevention of Oral Mucositis After Chemoradiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer (8/6/2006)
Researchers from Argentina have reported that the intravenous administration of L-alanyl-L-glutamine was effective in reducing the incidence and severity of oral mucositis following chemotherapy for head and neck cancer.
Induction Chemotherapy with Taxotere® Preserves Larynx Function (7/5/2006)
Researchers affiliated with the French GORTEC (Radiotherapy Oncology Group for Head and Neck) 2000-01 trial have reported that an induction regimen of Taxotere (docetaxel), Platinol® (cisplatin) and 5-FU (TPF) was superior to an induction regimen of Platinol and 5-FU (PF) for patients with advanced (stage III-IV) laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. The results of this randomized trial were presented at the June 2006 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Addition of Taxotere® to Induction Therapy Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (6/15/2006)
Results from a phase III trial indicate that the addition of Taxotere (docetaxel) to Platinol® (cisplatin) and fluorouracil (5-FU) in induction therapy for advanced head and neck cancer improves survival over cisplatin/fluorouracil. These results were presented at a special session at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Cetuximab (Erbitux®) Plus Induction Chemotherapy Results in 100% Response Rate for Head and Neck Cancer (6/12/2006)
A phase II trial evaluating induction chemotherapy plus cetuximab (Erbitux) resulted in a 100% overall response rate among patients with head and neck cancer. These results were presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Addition of Cetuximab (Erbitux®) to Radiation Therapy Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (2/22/2006)
A multi-center randomized trial has shown that the addition of cetuximab (Erbitux) to radiation therapy improves survival over radiation therapy alone in the treatment of head and neck cancer.
Ethyol® Decreases Xerostomia Without Increasing Recurrences Following Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer Patients (11/28/2005)
An international randomized trial has determined that Ethyol (amifostine) protects against xerostomia while not affecting long-term outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer who undergo radiation therapy.
Tumor Protein Highly Predictive to Response to Abraxane™ in Head and Neck Cancer (11/7/2005)
Levels of the albumin-binding protein referred to as SPARC (Secreted Protein Acidic Rich in Cysteine) is highly associated with responses achieved with Abraxane (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension, formerly ABI-007) in patients with cancer of the head and neck.
Iressa® and Celebrex® Show Promise for Head and Neck Cancer (10/7/2005)
A phase I clinical trial carried out by researchers at the Dana Farber Cancer Center has shown promising results from treating patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell cancer of the head and neck with the combination of Iressa® (gefitinib) and Celebrex® (celecoxib).
Ethyol® Allows Greater Tolerability of Chemotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer (9/29/2005)
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital have reported that the dose of Taxol® (paclitaxel) given with hyperfractionated radiotherapy can be dose escalated in patients receiving Ethyol (amifostine).
Postoperative Radiotherapy Delays Recurrences of Low-Grade Gliomas in Adults but Does Not Improve Survival (8/26/2005)
Researchers affiliated with the EORTC Radiotherapy and Brain Tumor Groups have reported that post-operative radiotherapy for low-grade gliomas in adults delays recurrence but is not associated with an improved survival compared to radiotherapy at the time of recurrence.
Temodar®/BiCNU® Prior to and Following Radiation Therapy in Inoperable Glioblastoma Multiforme Promising (7/20/2005)
French researchers have reported that Temodar (temozolomide) and BiCNU (carmustine) used prior to and following radiation therapy is a promising regimen in patients diagnosed with inoperable glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
Visual Screening Reduces Deaths Caused by Oral Cancer (6/21/2005)
According to an article published in June 4 2005, issue of The Lancet , simple visual screening of the oral cavity can significantly reduce deaths caused by oral cancer in individuals who use tobacco or alcohol.
Visual Screening Reduces Deaths Caused by Oral Cancer in High-Risk Individuals (6/3/2005)
According to a recent article published in The Lancet, simple visual screening of the oral cavity can significantly reduce deaths caused by oral cancer in high-risk individuals who use tobacco or alcohol.
Chemotherapy and Repeat Radiation Effective for Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer (4/27/2005)
Researchers from Germany have developed a tolerable regimen of alternated docetaxel (Taxotere®)-cisplatin (Platinol®) for the re-treatment of patients with recurrent head and neck cancer.
Direct Vaccine Injection Deemed Effective in Head and Neck Cancer (4/19/2005)
On March 29, 2005 the Viventia Biotech announced that their vaccine, Proxinium™ (VB4-845), had been granted Orphan Drug designation by the U.S. FDA for treatment of head and neck cancer. This press release also stated that the complete results of a phase I trial would be presented at the 2005 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Anemia Correlated with Poor Response to Chemo-Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer (3/21/2005)
Researchers from Duke University have reported that anemic patients with advanced head and neck cancers treated with radiation therapy have poorer outcomes than comparable patients without anemia. The details of this retrospective analysis were reported in the March 15, 2005 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics.
Adjuvant Cetuximab (Erbitux®) Effective for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (11/19/2004)
An international multi-center study has concluded that the addition of cetuximab (Erbitux) to radiation therapy reduces locoregional recurrences and improves survival in patients with advanced head and neck cancer.
Addition of Erythropoietin to Radiotherapy Does Not Improve Outcomes Among Anemic Patients with Head and Neck Cancers (10/14/2004)
Preliminary results from the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) indicate that erythropoietin improved hemoglobin levels in anemic patients with head and neck cancers, but did not improve survival, cancer-free survival, or control of cancer. This study was closed early when an unplanned interim analysis revealed that it would be extremely unlikely (<5% chance) that erythropoietin would improve cancer-control or survival. These results were reported in the plenary session of the 46th annual meeting of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) held in Atlanta GA, Oct 3-7, 2004.
Further Evidence That Combined Chemo-radiotherapy Improves Outcomes of Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (5/10/2004)
Two randomized trials in the May 7, 2004 issue of
The New England Journal of Medicine document the effects of adding chemotherapy to post-operative radiotherapy for the treatment of patients with advanced head and neck cancers.
1,2 Both studies concluded that the addition of chemotherapy decreases local and regional recurrences but was associated with more toxicity.
Elderly Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Should be Targeted for Participation in Clinical Trials (1/26/2004)
Researchers affiliated with the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) have reported the outcomes of 53 patients 70 years of age or older enrolled in two clinical trials involving almost 400 patients. They found that the results of treatment in elderly patients are as good as for younger patients but with more treatment-related toxicities. They stress the importance of enrolling elderly patients in clinical trials aimed at decreasing toxicities. The details of this report appeared in the January 15, 2004 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Taxotere® and Concomitant Radiation Effective for Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancer (1/9/2004)
French researchers have reported the results of a phase II trial which suggests that concomitant
Taxotere® and radiation may be an effective alternative to the standard regimen of combining Platinol® or Paraplatin® with 5-FU and radiation therapy for the treatment of advanced oropharyngeal cancers. The results of this trial appeared in the January 2004 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics.
Long-Term Follow-up Confirms Benefits of Chemo-radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancer (1/8/2004)
French researchers have confirmed the benefits of adding chemotherapy to radiation therapy for treatment of patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancer. The results of a 5-year follow-up analysis of this trial conducted by the French Head and Neck Oncology and Radiotherapy Group (GORTEC) were reported in the January 2004 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
1
Long-Term Follow-up Confirms Benefits of Chemo-radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancer (12/31/2003)
French researchers have confirmed the benefits of adding chemotherapy to radiation therapy for treatment of patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancer. The results of a 5-year follow-up analysis of this trial conducted by the French Head and Neck Oncology and Radiotherapy Group (GORTEC) were reported in the January 2004 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
1
Human Papilloma Virus Associated with Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer (12/10/2003)
Researchers affiliated with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have reported the results of a large study examining the role of human papilloma virus (HPV) in the causation of cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx. These authors concluded that “HPV appears to play an important etiologic role in many cancers of the oropharynx and possibly a small subgroup of cancers of the oral cavity.” The results of this case-controlled study were published in the December 3 2003 issue of the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
1
Concurrent Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Preserves Organ Function in Advanced Laryngeal Cancer (12/1/2003)
Researchers associated with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group have published the final results of a randomized trial comparing neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy versus concurrent radiation and chemotherapy versus radiation therapy alone for patients with advanced laryngeal cancer.
1 Preliminary results of this study were presented at the 2001 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the 2002 meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Oncology.
2,3 The results of this trial suggest that the current optimal treatment for resectable stage III-IV laryngeal cancer is concomitant chemotherapy and radiotherapy with surgery reserved for salvage treatment.
Human Papilloma Virus Infections May Explain Head and Neck Cancers Not Caused by Tobacco and Alcohol Exposure (11/17/2003)
Two reports published in the November 10 issue of the
International Journal of Cancer support the concept that some head and neck squamous cell carcinomas are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) infection.
1,2
Virtual Bronchoscopy Useful for the Detection of Tracheobronchial Malignancies (11/10/2003)
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health have reported that virtual bronchoscopy provides useful information for the detection and management of airway malignancies.
1 The data to support this conclusion were published in the November 2003 issue of
Chest.
Neutron Radiotherapy Effective for Salivary Gland Tumors (10/29/2003)
Researchers from the University of Washington have reported that neutron radiotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with salivary gland tumors with or without gross residual tumor after surgery. They reported these results in the September 2003 issue of the
Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Neutron Radiotherapy Effective for Salivary Gland Tumors (10/22/2003)
Researchers from the University of Washington have reported that neutron radiotherapy is effective treatment for patients with salivary gland tumors with or without gross residual tumor after surgery. They reported these results in the September 2003 issue of the
Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Study Questions Benefit of NeoRecormon® in Europe in Head and Neck Cancer (10/17/2003)
Researchers from Austria, France, Germany, and Switzerland have reported that anemic patients with head and neck cancers receiving radiation therapy and NeoRecormon® had decreased loco-regional progression-free survival and overall survival compared to those receiving radiation therapy and placebo.
1 The results of this study appeared in the October 18, 2003 issue of
The Lancet.
Educational Level Predicts for Survival From Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (9/30/2003)
Researchers affiliated with RTOG have reported that well-educated patients with locally advanced head and neck cancers have a higher survival rate than patients with less education. These results were reported in the October 2003 issue of
Cancer.
The Distance Patient Travels to a Treatment Center Affects Outcome of Phase II Clinial Trials (9/24/2003)
Researchers from the University of Chicago have reported that patients who travel farther to be treated have a better outcome from curative therapy for head and neck cancer than patients who go to the closest center. The results of this analysis was reported in the September 17 2003 issue of the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Accelerated Radiation Improves Outcome of Head and Neck Cancers (9/23/2003)
Researchers from Norway and Denmark have reported that shortening of the radiation schedule by one week improves the outcome of patients with head and neck cancers. This was accomplished by administering 6 rather than 5 fractions per week. These results appeared in the September 2003 issue of
The Lancet.
Iressa®, an Oral Epidermal Growth Factor Inhibitor, Demonstrates Activity in Head and Neck Cancers (5/27/2003)
Researchers from the University of Chicago reported that Iressa® demonstrates significant single agent activity in patients with head and neck cancer who have failed other treatments. This report appeared in the May 1, 2003 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Randomized Trial Confirms Benefit of Combined Radiation and Chemotherapy for Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (2/18/2003)
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a unique head and neck cancer that is more common among Southeast Asian, North African and Eskimo populations. Unlike other squamous cell cancers of the head and neck, nasopharyngeal cancer does not appear to be linked to excessive use of tobacco and/or alcohol. Factors thought to predispose to this type of cancer include Chinese (or Asian) ancestry, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) exposure and as yet unknown factors that result in very rare familial clusters.
Intensive Chemotherapy Before Concurrent Radiation and Chemotherapy Improves Outcomes of Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (1/30/2003)
Currently, it appears that the best approach to the treatment of advanced head and neck cancers is to deliver concomitant radiation and Platinol®-based chemotherapy. This approach results in disease-free survivals of over 50% in patients with advanced head and neck cancer. There is also emerging evidence that the addition of Taxotere® or paclitaxel to Platinol® chemotherapy can further improve outcomes, with over 60% of patients surviving disease free. Since there are still a significant number of local and distant recurrences despite radiation and Platinol®/taxane chemotherapy, further attempts are being made to improve these results. Researchers from Northwestern, University of Chicago and University of Illinois have recently explored the effectiveness of giving intensive chemotherapy before the usual regimen of combined radiation and chemotherapy. In the January 15, 2003 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology, these researchers reported that this approach appeared to improve the outcome of patients with advanced head and neck cancers.
Taxotere® Increases Responses in Patients with Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (1/10/2003)
Locally advanced head and neck cancers are difficult to treat, with the standard approach being extensive surgery and/or radiation therapy. More recently, researchers have been evaluating neoadjuvant therapy in these patients in order to improve responses. The usual neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen consists of a platinum compound such as Platinol® or Carboplatin®, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin. There has been recent evidence, mainly in refractory patients, that the taxanes (paclitaxel or Taxotere®) may improve the response rates to Platinol® and 5-FU. In the January issue of
Cancer, researchers from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute reported their long-term results of treating advanced head and neck cancers with Taxotere®-containing regimens. These researchers concluded that
Taxotere® improves the results of combination chemotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer.
Concomitant Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Improve Larynx Preservation Rate in Potentially Resectable Stage III-IV Cancer of the Larynx (10/10/2002)
The goal of treatment for stage III and IV cancer of the larynx is preservation of the larynx without jeopardizing survival. Stage III cancer has not spread outside of the larynx, but the vocal cords cannot move normally, or the cancer has spread to tissues next to the larynx, or the cancer has spread to one lymph node on the same side of the neck as the cancer and the lymph node measures no more than 3 centimeters. In stage IV, cancer has spread to tissues around the larynx, such as the pharynx or the tissues in the neck. The lymph nodes may or may not contain cancer. The cancer has spread to more than one lymph node on the same side of the neck as the cancer, to lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck, or to any lymph node that measures more than 6 centimeters.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery Following Whole Brain Radiation Therapy Improves Palliation of Patients with Cancer Metastatic to Brain (10/8/2002)
Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) is the most frequent palliative modality for patients with cancer metastatic to the brain. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), also called gamma knife therapy or 3-dimensional radiation therapy, can deliver precise doses of radiation to tumor sites while sparing normal tissue. Stereotactic techniques are used to treat a variety of cancers and are widely accepted as superior to non-precise radiation techniques. Since 1996, researchers from 34 medical institutions affiliated with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group have been carrying out a study to document the benefits of SRS in individuals with cancers that are metastatic to the brain. They have concluded from this study that SRS adds significantly to the palliation achieved with WBRT alone. They reported these results at a plenary session of the annual meeting of the
American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology in October of 2002.
Cisplatin/Epinephrine Injectable Gel Represents New Form of Palliation for Patients with Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer (9/11/2002)
Patients with head and neck cancer that has recurred or persisted after surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy have few therapeutic options. The goal for such patients is palliation of signs and symptoms of disease. A multinational multicenter trial has determined that a cisplatin/epinephrine gel injected directly into the cancerous areas provides some degree of palliation compared to injection of a placebo gel in patients with recurrent head and neck cancer. These researchers reported their findings in the August 2002 issue of
Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
New Treatment Regimen Tested for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancers (7/29/2002)
Locally advanced head and neck cancers are difficult to treat, with the standard approach being extensive surgery and radiation therapy. More recently, such patients have been treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery and radiation therapy. Although the overall response rates to cisplatin and 5 FU based regimens have been relatively high, the fraction of patients with a complete response (CR) has generally been low and recurrences following chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy have been high. In the July 11, 2002 issue of the journal
Cancer, researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported a new regimen that produces a relatively high complete response rate. They speculate that this improved response rate could lead to better control following definitive therapy with surgery and radiation.
Local Injection of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) Improves Treatment of the Oral Cavity and Pharynx After Surgery and Radiation Therapy (7/11/2002)
Locally advanced cancers of the mouth and pharynx are treated with surgery alone or surgery plus radiation therapy. This approach has varying degrees of success, depending on the completeness of surgery and involvement of lymph nodes. Researchers in Italy have evaluated a novel approach to preventing local recurrences by long-term local injections of Il-2 into the nodes draining the primary tumor. In the July, 2002 issue of the journal
Cancer, they reported that local IL-2 injections delayed recurrences.
Taxotere® and Platinol® Are Effective for Refractory Squamous Cell Cancer of the Head and Neck (3/27/2002)
Researchers from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have evaluated the effectiveness of
Taxotere® and Platinol® for patients with recurrent or incurable squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. Their results were published in the March 15 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Repeat Radiation Therapy with Concurrent Hydroxyurea and 5-FU is Feasible in Patients with Recurrent Squamous Cell Cancer of the Head and Neck (2/20/2002)
Researchers affiliated with Radiation Therapy Oncology have reported that it is possible to administer additional radiation therapy (RT) to patients with recurrent squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. This study was undertaken because of the poor results of systemic chemotherapy alone in patients with recurrent head and neck cancers.
Randomized Trial Documents Benefit of Combined Radiation and Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancers (2/12/2002)
Physicians from 23 institutions affiliated with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) have documented the benefit of adding chemotherapy to radiation therapy following surgery with curative intent for advanced cancers of the head and neck. They reported their findings at a recent meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO). Previously, phase II studies have suggested that adding chemotherapy to post-operative radiation therapy improves outcomes of patients with advanced head and neck cancers. However, no large randomized trial had previously documented this observation.
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